what's. in. my. cambridge. satchel. bag.

I don’t know about you, but I have a slight obsession with “what’s in my bag” posts. Call me nosey, but I love seeing the random odds and ends that people tote around on the daily — or to fashion week. Today, I’m super excited to be sharing my Cambridge Satchel essentials. It just may be one of my favorite posts ever, simply because it was so fun to photograph! Depending on my #BOTD (bag of the day), what I carry (and which bag I use) varies. For instance, if I’m heading to a coffee shop for a work sesh, then I know to use a larger tote that fits my laptop. Or if I’m out running errands, a pint-sized bag will almost always do. Take a peek below and be sure to share a link to your #whatsinmybag post in the comments below!

1. The 13 Inch Classic Satchel (Cambridge Satchel) // I was so stoked when I was able to snag this classic Cambridge Satchel bag (with original tags!) in the gently used section at Duo last winter. It’s not something I use every day, but it’s a nice change of pace when a crossbody bag is too small and a tote is too big. Ya know?! 
2. Ban.do Sparkly Hair Clip (similar) // This is legit my favorite hair clip ever. I love having it on hand for those days (let’s be honest — most days) when my hair isn't cooperating. 
3. Kate Spade Tortoiseshell Sunnies (similar) // While I have several pairs of sunnies that I like to throw into the rotation (like this budget-friendly mirrored pair I recently snagged at Nordstrom), I always come back to this timeless tortoiseshell pair from Kate Spade. Take note: It’s not pictured, but I like to store it in a case like this (different pattern but same style) to keep the scuffs away. 
4. Chubby Lash Fattening Mascara (Clinique) // I’ve been using Clinique for years, and I just recently tried out this chubby lash fattening mascara. Long story short: I love it and will definitely be making a repurchase soon. When used alongside a lengthening mascara (and an eyelash curler) it does wonders. 
5. Silicone Tennis Balls iPhone Case (Kate Spade) // TBH, I never want to give up this phone simply because the case is too cute. Period.

6. Color Block Pen (Poketo) // Don’t get me wrong, penciling in functions in an iCal is great, but there’s something to be said about taking notes by hand in an agenda or notebook. Hence the need for an ink pen that brightens your day. 
7. Ampersand for Blue Sky Bookbound Notebook (Target) // Looking for a budget-friendly notebook that’s functional and stylish? Right this way! I’m obsessed with this classy notebook by Blue Sky. Every time I use it, the Parisian chic aesthetic reminds me of Garance Dore. Pssst: It’s only $6.
8. Flavored Balm Dotcom (Glossier) // Minty fresh moisturized lips? Yes, please! If you haven’t already read my review of Glossier’s mint balm dotcom, you can do so here. 
9. Clare Vivier Striped Zip Wallet (similar) // This one’s an oldie but a goodie. Come summertime, I swap out my kelly green Kate Spade wallet for this striped zip wallet by Clare Vivier. Doesn’t it just scream Fourth of July?
10. Polka Dot Twistband (similar) // I like to keep at least one hair tie tucked away in my bag (or sunglass case) for ponytails, side braids and the occasional bun/top knot. 
11. Fruit Stripe Gum // Hello, ‘90s kids! Sure, the flavor may not last long, but nothing beats that initial surge of fruity goodness. 

What are your bag essentials? Leave a comment below!

xo,
A

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what’s. in. my. bag. // pt. II.

Welp!  Half of the semester is dunzo...and, truth be told, I’m not sure where the time has gone.  In a way, it’s hard to believe that we've arrived at the halfway point, but on other hand, August (and syllabus week) seems SO long ago.  Either way, I thought that now would be the appropriate time to finally (!!!) share my school bag essentials.  I snapped these pictures a while back, but alas, never got around to posting about them.  Just as a refresher, back in March, I did a fun feature spotlighting “what’s in my bag” (i.e. what I cannot leave the house without). Make sure to check it out if you haven't already!

Truth be told, on a typical day of classes, I normally have to carry a big tote.  BUT, on the rare occasion that I have a lighter load, my Old Navy bucket bag (similar) is everything. It’s chic, effortless and holds more than meets the eye.  As far as notebooks go, I rely on my Moleskine Cahier Journal and Rollbahn (gridded) notebook.  Both flaunt a minimalist design and are small enough to ensure that they don’t take up too much room in my bag. Note: this is key for me.  

On a good day, one of my fave fashion magazines may or may not end up in my tote. (Side note: I do love me some Glamour UK!) In between studying, reading up on the latest fashion trends is naturally at the top of my agenda.  #priorities  

When it comes to my writing utensils, I’m a total pen snob and for good reason.  My roundup of go-to pens will have to be left for a future post, but Muji, Le Pen, Staedtler and Stabilo are four that never disappoint.  Oh, and that pen case…yeah it’s by Muji and I highly recommend it.  Not only am I in love with the minimal design, but it also prevents my pens from mysteriously going missing at the bottom of my bag.

 

While some people invest in one trusty planner, I’ve done the unthinkable and actually have three which I admittedly don’t use as much as I should.  I will say, however, that for school, my red Moleskine planner is both functional and professional.

If there’s one thing that I’ve learned about school supplies, it’s that sometimes form does not follow function.  Take these Jack Wills sticky tabs and Jonathan Adler highlighters for instance. While they’re both super cute, they just may be too cute to use.  On the other hand, they do make great photo props… #doitfortheinstagram

Muji pen case.  // Le Pen.  //  Muji Gel-Ink Ballpoint Pens.  //  Jack Wills stick notes.  //  12-Month Weekly Moleskine Planner.  // Rollbahn notebook.  //  Moleskine Cahier Journal (set of three).  //  Jonathan Adler highlighters

What are your must-have school essentials?  Leave a comment below!

xo,

A

P.S. - The other day I spotted Kate Spade highlighters at my school’s bookstore, and oh-em-gee, they’re just as witty and knock-your-socks-off-good as one would expect!

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what's. in. my. bag.

Not going to lie, I’ve been wanting to do a “what’s in your bag” themed post for a while now. After seeing College Prepster’s recent blog post sharing the contents of her Kate Spade bag, I knew that it was my turn!  Plus, I thought this would be a fun way for readers to get to know me a little bit better, and in the process, be introduced to a few of my favorite products.  

Although what I carry in my bag changes on a day-to-day basis, what’s pictured above is a pretty accurate depiction of what I can’t leave the house without.

To start things off, I wanted to spotlight my current favorite Kate Spade bag...a black crossbody satchel (complete with a detachable strap) that is ideal for a weekend of running errands and shopping.  While I was initially hesitant of its small size, I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how much stuff it actually fits.  

• Kate Spade “Good as Gold” wallet- A must-have for obvious reasons.  

• Sunglasses of the moment + case (similar)- Since I’m much too clumsy to not carry a sunglass case, this plaid one from Madewell is just perfect.  Not to mention that it actually fits in my KSNY satchel…granted it’s a tight fit.  That in itself is a miracle!

• Gum- While I don’t chew a lot, it seems like the instances in which I don’t have gum are when I most crave it.  In the end, it’s a good idea to just always have a pack handy!

• At least two pens, preferably one black (Le Pen) + color (Stabilo)- Whether it’s note taking, agenda making or random doodles, pens are basically my best friend.

• Her Campus Collegiette sticky notes- Going hand-in-hand with the previous item, sticky notes are great for spontaneous to-do lists and happy little reminders.  (As I recently joined the Her Campus Blogger Network, I just had to include some of their sticky notes! #onceacollegiettealwaysacollegiette)

• A Band-Aid- Absolutely necessary for when I’m breaking in a new pair of ballet flats. BTW, how cute is this sequined Cynthia Rowley Band-Aid...I’m a tad obsessed.

• iPod touch- My iPod touch (at least until I get an iPhone) comes in handy most often when I’m updating my social media feeds, checking email, photographing my latest #ootd or capturing other random shots.

• Earphones- This one is so important!  I can’t tell you how bummed out I am when I forget my earphones at home.  They especially come in handy when studying – whether it’s because I’m having trouble focusing or because the person who sat down next to me forgot that it’s a library. Shhhhh...   

• Phone in Kate Spade “Live Colorfully” case- Despite living in an age when “being connected” is deemed oh-so-important, I could totally do without a phone.  That said, I reserve mine for important calls and emergencies.  

• Maybelline New York Baby Lips in Quenched- As I’m a total chapstick/lip balm-kind-of-girl, this one is non-negotiable.  Whether it’s Baby Lips, eos, or Softlips, I always make sure to carry some sort of lip treatment.

• Twistband- As far as hair ties are concerned, my loyalties lie with Twistband.  Not only do they not dent or damage your hair, but they come in fun prints and colors too!

• Jane Tran bobby pins- Jane Tran has mastered the art of bobby pins.  As you can see, I’m currently loving the polka dots.

• Estee Lauder mascara- Travel size mascara samples are the best as they’re great for on-the-go touch-ups.

• Daisy by Marc Jacobs fragrance- Again, travel size-anything reigns supreme.

• Hand sanitizer- Year-round (especially during the fall and winter months), I rely on hand sanitizer to combat unwanted germs.

• Loccitane hand cream-  Nothing prevents dry winter skin like Loccitane’s best-selling Shea butter hand cream.  (Pretty soon, I’ll be switching it out for sunscreen.)

Now that I’ve shared what’s in my bag, what’s in yours?  If you’ve recently done a “what’s in your bag” post, link to it in the comments section!  I’d love to check it out :)  
xo,

A

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